NSC continues engagement with Athletics and Darts Associations ahead of busy 2026 calendar

The National Sports Commission (NSC) continued its ongoing engagement with Guyana’s sporting bodies this week, meeting with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and the Guyana Darts Association as part of its structured discussions with Sport Associations and Federations.

The meetings were held at the NSC’s headquarters on Monday (January 19) and were led by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, alongside Assistant Directors Franklin Wilson and Melissa Dow-Richardson.

Discussions with the AAG focused heavily on what is shaping up to be a demanding and ambitious 2026 calendar for track and field, spanning local competitions, regional assignments and major international engagements.

The AAG was represented by President Amanda Hermonstine and General Secretary James Cole, who outlined the association’s strategic priorities for the year ahead.

The AAG expressed gratitude to the NSC for its consistent and unwavering support over the years, while presenting its future plans for the sport, with particular emphasis on youth development programmes.

The association highlighted the importance of sustained investment in grassroots and junior athletics, which continues to yield strong results for Guyana on the regional stage.

A key area of discussion was Guyana’s participation once again at the CARIFTA Games, with both parties examining avenues for enhanced support.

This comes at a time when several of Guyana’s top junior athletes are now competing on the NCAA circuit, having secured scholarships at some of the United States’ leading universities with elite athletics programmes.

Additionally, talks touched on the AAG’s push for direct qualification standards for the 2028 Olympic Games, and how the NSC can continue to play a meaningful role in advancing the country’s elite athletes.

Support for Guyana’s participation in international and continental championships also formed part of the broader conversation, as the association looks to maintain consistent exposure for its athletes at the highest levels.

In response, the NSC reiterated its commitment to supporting the AAG’s programmes, pointing to the strong working relationship between the Commission and Sports Associations, as well as its alignment with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under the guidance of Minister Charles Ramson Jr., and Minister within the Ministry, Steven Jacobs.

Ninvalle commended the AAG’s diverse and effective youth development structure, noting that Guyana continues to produce some of the Caribbean’s top youth and junior athletes, many of whom have also made significant inroads within South America.

Meanwhile, during discussions with the Guyana Darts Association, Ninvalle reaffirmed the NSC’s position that all associations will receive support, regardless of size or perceived national impact.

He expressed satisfaction with the strides made by the Darts Association in positioning Guyana on the regional and international darts circuit, and noted his anticipation for initiatives aimed at increasing wider local participation in the sport.

The meetings, Ninvalle said, underscored the NSC’s continued commitment to collaboration, planning and long-term development across Guyana’s sporting landscape.